Hartlepool United top scorer 'fine' for Aldershot Town trip while Fleetwood Town loan striker a slight doubt

Pools’ joint-top goalscorer missed the 4-2 defeat against Maidenhead United with a slight hamstring issue but has since returned to full training ahead of the trip to the EBB Stadium.

Pools currently sit fourth in the National League table but could move back up to third with a victory should Stockport County lose to Torquay United.

On Armstrong’s condition, Challinor said: “He's fine, he trained yesterday fine and will train again [on Wednesday]. In the circumstance we were in after losing Bromley, it would have been a stupid risk to play him [against Maidenhead].

"Us keeping him and Oatesy [Rhys Oates] fit for the next five six games is going to be pivotal. Hopefully he has no reaction and he'll be fine for the weekend and moving forward.”

Elsewhere in the squad, Challinor revealed that Harvey Saunders was still struggling with a knee issue picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Bromley last week.

The Fleetwood Town loanee played against Maidenhead but will continue to be monitored ahead of this weekend’s game.

“There are people with knocks and niggles where we have to be flexible with training scheduled but there's nothing out of the ordinary,” Challinor added.

“Harvey has a slight knee issue from the Bromley game, he got through the game on Saturday so fingers crossed he'll be fine but he's the only one with anything at the moment. Everyone else, it's just about managing their load.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor